Although evicted by late Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Annisul Huq almost seven years back, truckers and covered van owners have recaptured the road from Saat Rasta intersection to Tejgaon rail crossing – causing commute woes for pedestrians, locals and triggering traffic gridlocks in adjacent areas.

Late Dhaka north mayor Annisul Haq recovered the road in the industrial area from encroachment despite violent protests by truck owners in 2015 but now it is back to its former self with hundreds of illegally parked trucks, covered vans and other heavy vehicles.

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Trucks, pick-ups and covered vans are parked on both sides of the road illegally that has narrowed it to a great extent – making it difficult for other vehicles to access.

“Due to parking of the heavy vehicles, there isn’t enough space for people to walk on the footpaths. Pedestrians have to go through ordeals every day when going through this area,” said Sabrina Begum, a resident of Tejturi Bazar.

“The whole area is a huge mess because of these vehicles. We can’t use the footpaths and traffic congestion is an everyday issue in the area due to rampant illegal parking. But there’s no one to see and hear people’s woes and solve this problem,” said Mujibur Rahman, another resident of the area.

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“Four to five schools and colleges are located in Tejgaon area, adjacent to the rail crossing and the truck stand. Many students have to use this road regularly to go to schools and colleges but commute has become risky,” he said.

Selim Reza, chief executive officer (CEO) of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), said the previous decision to free the truck stand in Tejgaon is upheld.

DNCC authorities regularly monitor the situation at the truck stand.

Besides, DNCC is trying to get land near BTCL premises to establish a permanent truck stand, he said, adding several meetings were held at the high level in this regard. Home minister and agriculture minister were also present at the latest meeting, he said.